Biography of the Foundation

The story of our foundation, its origins, and the vision that continues to guide our mission today.

Our Origin

Founded by a family with a long history of philanthropy, the Soudavar Memorial Foundation was formally established in 2001 and follows on the lifelong commitment to the arts, culture and heritage of Iran by Fereidoun Soudavar (1908-1997) and his wife, Massoumeh Amir-Alai.

The Soudavar Memorial Foundation is managed by a group of trustees drawn from Soudavar family members who endeavor to provide leadership, inspiration and support towards the furtherance of its mission without resorting to external contributions.

What began as a memorial tribute has evolved into a dynamic force carrying out our mission for decades in collaboration with prestigious and impactful institutions across hundreds of projects, both large and small, as well as dozens of students grantees.

Early History Of Soudavar Family Giving

Having been situated in London since before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Soudavar family were amongst the first Iranian expatriates to commit themselves to the preservation of the long tradition of Persian studies in the West. Some of Fereidoun Soudavar's charitable endeavors which preceded the establishment of our Foundation included generous endowments at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Princeton as well as Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City.

Key Milestones

1998

Death of our Founder

Fereidoun Soudavar passed away in 1998 having already created generous endowments in the memory of his two sons during his lifetime

2001

Establishment of the Soudavar Memorial Foundation

As part of his continuing estate and in accordance with Fereidoun Soudavar's wishes, the foundation was established and managed by a board of Soudavar family members

2011

10 Year Anniversary

Within 10 years, the foundation had already established an impressive record of supporting academic and cultural endeavors

2018

New Board Members and Expansion Of Mission

A younger generation of Soudavar family members joins the Board as the foundation's mission expands towards supporting broader issues such as environmental challenges

Our Impact and Achievements

Over more than 25 years, the Soudavar Memorial Foundation has made a significant impact on the academic and cultural worlds related to Iran. Through our diverse programs, we have supported educational initiatives, fostered cultural understanding, and contributed to the advancement of knowledge and research related to our Mission

150+
Projects & Grants Supported
50+
Scholarship Recipients
20+
Partner Universities
15+
Countries Reached
30+
Publications
30+
Conferences, Symposia, & Exhibitions

Our Core Values

The Foundation awads grants towards a diverse range of cultural and academic projects that have included postgraduate scholarships, special reserach grants; contributions to seminars and conferences, exhibitions of art from ancient to modern, projects in a wide variety of the arts, archaeological excavations, environmental themed initiatives, and many more.

Excellence in Education

We have a long history of supporting the next generations of scholars and scholarship in a variety of fields related to our mission

Cultural Impact

We believe in the importance of highlighting and preserving the cultural achievements of Greater Iran

A Focus On Under-Represented Fields

We encourage scholarship and research in critical areas that may be in neglect

Strictly Non-Political

The Soudavar Memorial Foundation prohibits itself from supporting or associating with any overt political activity

Evolution of our Mission

Over the last decade, the Soudavar Memorial Foundation has expanded its field of activities to include Iran’s broader cultural heritage as well as its natural environment.

We envision a world where the legacy of our founder continues to inspire new generations of scholars and leaders.

Learn More About Us Explore Our Programs